Olympics: USA Basketball

[Bob_The_Cat]

Haven't seen a thread yet for this so I figured I'd start it up. Always fun to talk lineups and see how different guys play together. It's also relevant because Kyrie is part of the group of players that was chosen to help get the team ready to play in London. My guess is he's on the team come 2016.

Odom out; U.S. down to 15 players for 12 spots

USA Basketball says Lamar Odom won't try to earn an Olympic roster spot, leaving the Americans with 15 players for 12 spots.
Odom informed USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski that he was unable to play this summer. He had previously been expected to take part in training camp this week despite a difficult season in which he and the Dallas Mavericks parted ways early.
With the Americans lacking size up front, Odom's departure could strengthen new Clippers teammate Blake Griffin's hopes of making the team, or perhaps open the door for Memphis' Rudy Gay.
The remaining players that are expected to report to camp Thursday in Las Vegas are: LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Andre Iguodala, James Harden, Eric Gordon and rookie Anthony Davis. Davis sprained his ankle Saturday and his status is not yet known.


Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...om-usa-basketball.ap/index.html#ixzz1zrSeC17p

It's always fun to talk about the best lineups, particularly in international play. This is never going to be the starting five, but I think this lineup would do some major damage in international play:

PG: Paul
SG: Bryant
SF: Durant
PF: Love
C: Chandler

Add any other related discussion.

 

[Forthewin]

Anthony Davis worked out for the USA's training staff at UNLV earlier this week.

PG: CP3, Deron Williams
SG: Bryant, Eric Gordon
SF: Durant, Lebron, Iguodala, Carmelo
PF: Lebron, Griffen, Love
C: Chandler, Davis, Love

 

[Ohio]

Kyrie could still theoretically make the team, right?

 

[catfish]

Kyrie could still theoretically make the team, right?

NO

 

[Adam]

Williams played so much better than paul last time. Hopefully now Paul has better range than a few years ago he can be more effective

 

[11 trumps 33]

I think Spain could give the US a run for their money. The Gasols + Ibaka will make a formidable PF/C rotation, where the US is lacking

 

[Daniel89]

Dont know where else to put this.... Nigeria just beat Greece, Ike Diogu with 17 points and 12 rebounds ;-) Al Farouq Aminu had 13 points...
For the Greeks, Spanoulis was as good as always with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists...

Nice to finally watch some basketball again!

 

[RikSmits]

Dont know where else to put this.... Nigeria just beat Greece, Ike Diogu with 17 points and 12 rebounds ;-)

I love Ike Diogu! And I'm not alone.

 

[Daniel89]

http://www.gettyimages.de/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=148058148&EditorialProduct=Sport

:chuckles: Kobe looks like a prisoner... and somehow those suits let the players look fat or they really gained weight

 

[jhard]

James Harden looks chunky in his mug shot.

 

[Derek]

Westbrook was a big part of their gold at Worlds in 2010, I'd be surprised if he didn't make the team. He's a really good fit as an off-guard with Paul or Deron. International ball really allows us to throw out smaller, quicker line ups.

Deron Williams
Russell Westbrook
Kevin Durant
LeBron James
Kevin Love

That's the line up I'd roll out.

 

[NorthCoastBias]

Here's a chart diagramming the teams that will be playing in the Olympics and the tournaments they won (or finished second in some cases) to get there

 

[Tampa Zack]

On a side note, I think I would be disappointed if DeMarcus (aka Boogie) Cousins and Anthony Davis don't make the Olympics squad. Boogie could be the goon, and Anthony Davis can just be there to warm the bench and just learn. I think the Boogie/Davis chemistry would pretty damn good TV. I mean which other bigs would want? I think out of Chandler, Griffin and Love. You just take Love because that would just make the cast complete. What do you think?

-Sorry if it's bad I've had a couple.

 

[JMcCurry08]

Harden and Kobe look fat :chuckles:

 

[JMcCurry08]

Kyrie and the select team beat the Olympic team 14-11 yesterday in a scrimmage according to Chris Sheridan after losing 19-4 the first scrimmage